The Sou'wester 61 Pilothouse is a design based on the proven, seaworthy hulls of its forerunners, with the added benefit of a full pilothouse enclosure. It combines space and comfort below decks with the ability to safely cross oceans, and still represents itself well in IMS competition. The roomy pilothouse admits plenty of light when the sun is shining, while keeping the elements at bay when it is not. The pilothouse blends admirably with the signature profile, distinguished by the long, graceful overhangs and lovely, uninterrupted sheer. The 61 can be sailed easily by a cruising couple, or accommodate guests on an extended cruise. The Sou'wester 61's underbody configuration features a shoal draft keel - centerboard design for a minimum draft of just 6' 6". This offers the ability to visit harbors and anchorages normally too shallow for a yacht of its size. A board down draft of 12' 6" provides incredible stability offshore. The hull construction is of Kevlar - E-glass, laid up dry then infused with resin. The technique proven far superior to traditional wet lay-ups, SCRIMP involves vacuum bagging the entire mold, into which vinylester resin is injected (rather than rolled out by hand), thus eliminating the risk of air pockets forming in the laminate. The result is a light, stiff structure. The Sou'wester 61 Pilothouse can be commissioned with a full compliment of hydraulic winches and furling gear, all controlled from the cockpit to make sail handling a simple matter, even for two. Also, an optional retractable bow thruster is available for those who want more precise control when docking. The system is controlled by foot switches on either side of the binnacle, so hands remain free for steering and engine controls. The pilothouse offers standing headroom and sweeping 360-degree views. Opening ports and two overhead hatches admit fresh air and light. Settees are custom configured and upholstered to owners specifications. Two steps down from the pilothouse and to port, a comfortable guest cabin with two perfect sea berths is tucked neatly under the raised sole of the pilothouse, making smart use of the interior volume. To starboard is the nav station, configured and expertly equipped with the latest in marine electronics and controls for the ship's systems. Moving forward is the galley - dining area. The galley is engineered to function on any point of sail, in virtually all conditions. The wraparound work area can accommodate a choice of Formica or Corian surfaces, with sinks properly mounted near the centerline. The U-shaped dining area to starboard of the galley seats six comfortably around a hand-finished table in your choice of woods. Bookshelves and elegant leaded glass locker fronts tastefully accentuate this area. Just ahead is the first of two staterooms: a guest cabin with an inviting double berth, under which slide four substantial drawers. Rounding out the cabin is a large hanging locker. The full head with stall shower is conveniently situated directly across the passageway. Next is the exquisite owner's stateroom. Two layouts are offered, one with a centerline double berth fully forward and the other with the berth to starboard and settee to port. An opening hatch directly above the sleeping area lets in air and plenty of starlight. The plush berth, sitting area and large en suite head with stall shower efficiently share space with lockers of various sizes and configurations. The spacious cockpit, aft of the pilothouse, includes a fixed drop leaf table for lunches or evening cocktails in peaceful anchorages. The helm station is positioned to allow ample space for movement around the pedestal. Generous storage is available in lockers under the cockpit seats and in the large lazarette. Fenders, dock lines and the shore power chord have their own side deck locker situated for easy access. While standing and looking forward, the helmsperson has a clear line of sight over the pilothouse. The foredeck is open and free of obstacles, with plenty of clear surfaces to work sure-footedly and efficiently. Recessed genoa tracks and flush hatches reduce the hazards of going forward, especially at night. Optional hydraulic winches and a carbon fiber stoway mast further add to the ease of life on deck. Most of the stainless steel deck hardware on the Sou'wester 61 - including the stem head fitting - is custom fabricated by Hinckley so that each and every part fits the exact proportions of the boat.